Bicycle carrier for vehicles

ABSTRACT

A compact carrier for transporting bicycles or lightweight motorcycles on the rear or front bumper of a vehicle, which consists primarily of a set of straps with buckles holding the bicycle or motorcycle under tension while being supported by and resting on the bumper. One embodiment of the carrier utilizes a single strap, secured to an automobile at one end to the trunk or hood and the other end to the bumper by L-shaped buckles. The body of the bicycle is secured in the desired position by a loop on the main strap which wraps around the bicycle crossbar. This strap is adjustable to fit almost any size bicycle by a buckle in the middle thereof. A second embodiment of bicycle carrier uses a pair of V-straps secured by L-shaped buckles to either the trunk or hood and to the bumper which extend in an open V-shape to attach to the handle bar stem and the seat post of the bicycle. Another third embodiment provides in combination a telescoping rod and straps to hold the bicycle body in place. For use in combination with these carriers, loops and extruded pieces are provided to keep the bicycle tires in place on the vehicle bumpers.

This is a division of application Ser. No. 207,911 filed on May 13, 1988now U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,980 which is a continuation of prior applicationSer. No. 902,978 filed on Sep. 2, 1986 now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to bicycle carriers, particularly bicyclecarriers for mounting bicycles or other lightweight two wheeled vehicleon the rear or even the front of an automobile or other four-wheeledvehicle.

There are numerous patents for apparatuses designed for mounting andcarrying bicycles on automobiles. However, such bike racks and thosecurrently on the market will work on one type of automobile or anotherbut generally are not adaptable to all vehicles with four wheels as isthe instant invention.

Some devices carry bicycles on top of a vehicle, such as U.S. Pat. No.4,524,893 by Cole. Top bicycle carriers are difficult to mount anddismount a bicycle and create substantial wind drag for the vehicle.Other carriers are designed for mounting bicycles or motorcycles on thefront or back of the automobile, such as those contained in U.S. Pat.Nos. 3,464,608 by Rodriquez; 2,431,400 by Iverson; 3,670,935 byHinkston; 3,275,206 by Croft; 4,322,337 by Kosecoff; 3,993,229 bySummers; and PCT W080/01895. However, for the most part these bicyclecarriers are cumbersome and can neither be stored nor carried easily bythe biker, are difficult to install, and cause damage to the vehicles.

Other attempts have been made to overcome the problems associated withthe above referenced patented inventions, including U.S. Pat. No.3,923,221 by Ballinger which employs cable-like cords to attach thebicycle to the vehicle. However, the Ballinger device does not hold thebicycle firmly in place away from the vehicle but rather allows it torub against the vehicle bumper, thereby scratching and damaging thepaint and bumper of the vehicle and the bicycle. Furthermore, since thebicycle wheels do not rest on the bumper the Ballinger device may not beused for carrying heavy bicycles or motorcycles because there is nothingfirmly supporting the weight of the bicycle.

All of the above referenced problems are resolved by the instantinvention in its various embodiments described hereinafter. The instantinvention also provides numerous advantages over the prior art. It iseconomical by use of only straps and buckles contrary to most bicyclecarriers which require several feet of metal tubing. Also the inventioneliminates damage caused by rubbing or banging of the carrier or bicycleagainst the vehicle because a non-abrasive fabric protects the vehicleand straps hold the bicycle safely away from the vehicle. Moreover theinstant invention is lightweight, collapsible and easy to carry since itconsists of a set of straps without cumbersome metal frames. Thus, thedevice does not take up any space and can be stored easily in aknapsack, trunk, garage or basement. Even furthermore, the invention iseasy to use because it can be carried by the bicyclist himself and usedwith any four wheel vehicle. Thus, a bicyclist away from home does notneed to rely on the vehicle owner having a bicycle carrier stored in histrunk.

The instant invention is also self-supporting in that by holding thebicycle in compression, no external rack is needed.

Therefore, in manner briefly described above the instant inventionprovides numerous advantages not available in any of the prior artdevices, among which are that it is economical, light weight, easy touse and store, self supporting, portable and eliminates the damage oftencaused by bicycle carriers currently available on the market.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has numerous objects.

A primary object of the invention is to provide a bicycle carrier whichis portable and can be carried by the biker, himself.

A corollary object of the invention is to provide a bicycle carrierwhich is collapsible, so that it is easy to store and use.

An even further object of the invention is to provide a bicycle carrierwhich is light weight.

Another object of the invention is to provide a bicycle carrier whichdoes not need an external rack to hold the bicycle to the vehicle.

An important object of this invention is to provide a bicycle carrierwhich eliminates the damage often associated with currently availablebicycle carriers.

A general object of the invention is to meet all of the above objectsand still be economical.

The instant invention accomplishes all of the above and other objects byproviding a bicycle carrier consisting of primarily straps, except inone embodiment wherein a telescoping rod is also employed. All theembodiments use essentially five straps. One embodiment, hereinaftersometimes referred to as the "single strap embodiment," comprises anadjustable single strap which is attached at the top to the trunk by ahooked buckle and at the bottom to the bumper by a similarly hookedbuckle. The central portion of this single strap contains a loop made ofa hook and pile fastening material similar to VELCRO which wraps aroundthe bicycle crossbar. Alternately, the central detachable portion ofthis single strap may have loops sewn into it through which it is loopedthrough itself to fasten to the crossbars, handle bar stem or seat postof one or more bicycles. For securing more than one bicycle, additionalloops may be attached to the central portion of the strap. Oneadditional strap wraps around the inside of both wheels to hold thewheels in place. A third strap wraps around the brake lever and handlegrip to further insure the bicycle wheels cannot move by locking thebrake on. Finally, two straps wrap around the bumper and contain a loopwith snaps or hook and pile fastening material such as VELCRO whichwraps around the tires and holds the tires in place on the bumpers.

A minor addition to the single strap embodiment is necessary for usewith bicycles which do not have a crossbar, such as the ordinary femalebicycle. For such bicycles, two many straps rather than a single strapare positioned so that the straps is fastened to the handle bar stem andthe other to the seat post rather than the crossbar.

A second embodiment, hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "V-strapembodiment" uses two V-straps in place of a single main strapembodiment. In this second embodiment, the closed end of one V-strap isattached to the trunk and the closed end of the other V-strap to thebumper by buckle hooks. The open ends of both main straps attach to theseat post and the handle bar stem by loops of hook and pile material orby loop actually sewn into the main strap ends. Alternately, these openends of the main straps may attach by adjustable quick release bucklesto somewhat shorter straps, one of these shorter straps having beenlooped around or otherwise attached to the handle bar stem area and theother to the seat post area.

A third embodiment of the present invention utilizes a telescoping rodin addition to the straps. In this embodiment a telescoping rod takesthe place of the main strap between the trunk and the crossbar to whichit is attached by means of a metal and rubber loop. From the crossbar astrap attaches to the telescoping rod and is hooked to the bottom of thebumper. The remaining straps used in the other embodiments, specificallythe wheel strap, brake strap, and bumper straps are still utilized inthis embodiment.

Since the above embodiments require the use of bumper straps which aredesigned for vehicles having a space between the bumper and the body ofthe vehicle, another type of bumper strap consisting of a rubber piecewhich attaches by fastener to the bottom of the tires is provided so thebicycle tires are held firmly in place without the need for bumperstraps.

Thus, in summary, the instant invention provides three embodiments whichall meet the objects of this invention. The foregoing, together withother objects of the present invention will become more readily apparentafter consideration of the detailed description and the accompanieddrawings of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the description hereinbelow, reference will be made to the appendedsheets of drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the bicycle carrier showing the singlestrap embodiment in place on a vehicle.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the bicycle carrier showing the V-strapembodiment in place of the vehicle.

FIG. 2 is an exploded plan view of the single main strap;

FIG. 3 is a side view of one embodiment of the central portion of themain strap with loops sewn into the strap itself;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the central portion of the main strap withcrossbar loops open;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the brake lever strap;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the wheel strap;

FIG. 7 is a side view of one embodiment of the bumper straps;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the bumper straps of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a side view of a second embodiment of the bumper straps;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the bumper straps of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a composite exploded plan view of the main strap which ispart of a second embodiment of the invention, hereinafter sometimesreferred to as the "V-strap embodiment;"

FIG. 11A is a side view of the central portions of the V-strapembodiment of FIG. 11;

FIG. 11B is a side view showing the strap buckles;

FIG. 12 is a partial side view of a third embodiment of this invention,hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "telescoping rod embodiment;"

FIG. 13 is a side plan view of a tire bumper holder to be with vehicleson which bumper straps cannot be used;

FIG. 14 a top plan view of the strap used in the telescoping rod;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the telescoping rod;

FIG. 16 is a side plan view of the telescoping rod;

FIG. 17 is a side plan view of the telescoping rod designed for holdingtwo bicycles;

FIG. 18 is a segmented side plan view of a variation of the telescopingrod; and

FIG. 19 is a segmented side plan view of another variation of thetelescoping rod.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Having described the invention in general terms hereinabove, thepreferred embodiments of this invention will now be described in detailby reference to the drawings appended hereto as FIGS. 1A through 19.

FIG. 1A illustrates the preferred embodiment of the invention as itutilizes one main strap or cable 3 to secure a bicycle or light weightmotorcycle 2 to a vehicle 1 and thus is hereinafter referred to as a"single-strap embodiment." FIG. 1B shows a second preferred embodimentwhich utilizes two straps in a "V" shaped fashion, thus sometimeshereinafter referred to as the "V-strap embodiment." Before discussingthese embodiments depicted by 3 in FIGS. 1A and 1B, it is necessary todiscuss the other components of the invention consisting of the bumperstraps 5, wheel straps 4 and brake strap 6.

The bumper straps 5, provided by this invention are of two types, thefirst type, as shown in FIGS. 7 through 10, is designed for use onvehicles which have a space between the bumper and vehicle body ascontemplated in the vehicle of FIG. 1A. The second type as shown in FIG.12 for use when there are no spaces between the vehicle body and bumperso straps could not be inserted. This second type also shown in FIG. 13and will be discussed later in this description.

The first type of bumper strap has two embodiments, one shown in FIGS. 7and 8 and the other in FIGS. 9 and 10. The embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8may be made of cloth or nylon having an adjustable buckle 20 at one endthrough which the other end is passed and the bumper straps 5 pulled tosecure it in a position where the bicycle wheel loops 18 are on top ofthe bumper 25. These bicycle wheel loops 18 may consist of hook and pilematerial, such as VELCRO, which wrap around the tire rim 48 to secure itin place. The loop 18 may also use snaps or some other fastening meansinstead of VELCRO to secure the bicycle wheel 48. Furthermore, theseloops 18 are made long enough to fit around multiple tires so that morethan one bicycle may be carried at the same time. On the bottom of thebumper strap 5 are ridged gripping surfaces 19 which may be made ofrubber or similar material to prevent slippage of the bumper strap 5.

In the second embodiment of the bumper strap 5 illustrated in FIGS. 9and 10, the bicycle wheel securing loops 18 replaced by short extrudedpieces 21, preferably made of metal or plastic, containing two ridges 23between which rest the bicycle wheels 48. In addition to having thelocking buckle 20 to secure and tighten the bumper straps 5 thisembodiment of the bumper straps 5 uses a U-shaped hook 24 to hook on thebottom edge of the bumper 25 to prevent the strap 5 from slipping inlieu of the ridged gripping surface 19 of the alternate bumper strapembodiment.

The next component of the invention which may be used with allembodiments of the invention is the wheel strap 4, which contains alocking adjustable buckle 17 or equivalent at one end of the wheel strap4 of which is run through the inner side of both wheels 48, as shown inFIG. 1A to hold both wheels 48 parallel to the rear of the vehicle tokeep the bicycle wheels 48 from rotating during carriage.

The next subcomponent of this invention which, like the wheel strap maybe used with every embodiment of the invention, is the brake lever strap6, shown in FIG. 5 of the drawings. This strap is similar to the wheelstrap 4, except that it is shorter. This brake lever strap 6 is used tosecure the bicycle brakes to keep the bicycle from moving. Alternately,the brake lever strap 6 could be placed around the brake calipersinstead of the brake lever and handle bar grips.

Having now described the subcomponents of this invention two of which,the wheel strap 4 and the brake lever strap 6, may be used with allembodiments of the invention, the single main strap of the firstembodiment depicted in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 of the drawings will bediscussed.

Like the other straps, the main strap 3 may be made of cloth or elasticmaterial. This strap 3 is attached to the trunk lid 62, where it isfastened by inserting the L-shaped buckle with hook 7 and runs to thebumper 25 where it is secured by another L-shaped buckle with hook 11.As shown in FIG. 2, the preferred embodiment of the main strap 3contains a detachable central portion 71 which is secured to the outerportions by two quick release buckles 8 and 10.

The female ends 13 and 14 of the quick release buckles 8 and 10 arecontained on the central portion 71, while the male 12 and 15 ends ofthe quick release buckles 8 and 10, are contained on the outer portions.These male ends 12 and 15 provide means for adjusting the straps to fitany size of bicycle.

The means of securing the main strap 3 to the bicycle crossbar 72 isprovided by the loops 9 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Such loops 9 may beformed by using hook and pile material such as VELCRO, snaps, zippers orby other fastening means such as the short central straps loopingthrough themselves by means of loops 9 sewn into the straps 11. Carryingmultiple bicycles could be provided for by the central portion 71 havingmore than one VELCRO loop or by the addition of another central portionwhich would have a male and a female end instead of the two female ends.

Having discussed all of the components of the single strap embodimentshown in FIG. 1A it is important to discuss the procedure for installingthis bicycle carrier which applies to all the embodiments of theinvention. First, the bumper straps 5 are secured in the proper positionaround the bumper 25 of the vehicle 1. The wheel straps 4 and brakelever straps 6 can be fastened on the bicycle beforehand then, thebicycle wheels 48 are placed on the bumper 25 into the bicycle wheelsecuring the loops 18 which are folded over and between the spokes ofthe wheels 48. Next, the main strap 3 is hooked by the buckle 7 to thetop of the trunk 62 and over the crossbar 72 to which it is secured bythe crossbar loops 9, and then to the bumper 25 by the bumper hook 11.Finally, the strap is tightened at the quick release buckles 8 and 10 tohold the bicycle in a secure position away from the vehicle 2 so as notto rub or scratch the vehicle 1 during transportion. Thus the bicycle isself-supporting and does not require the use of rigid frames or rods tohold it, as do most other bicycle carriers.

In order to use this first embodiment to carry bicycles which have nocrossbars, such as female bicycles, another strap of the sameconstruction is added. These two straps are positioned apart so that onestrap runs from the trunk 62 to the handle bar stem 73 to which it isfastened by the looped fastener 9 to the bumper 25, and the other strapfrom the trunk 62 to the seat post 74 to which it is fastened by thelooped fastener 9 and then to the bumper 25. Thus, merely by addinganother main strap this embodiment can be used on male or femalebicycles.

The second embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1B utilizestwo V-straps 28 and 30 as shown in FIG. 11 rather than a main singlestrap 3. Unlike the single strap embodiment, this V-strap embodiment canbe used with male or female bicycles which have no crossbar without theneed for additional straps. Inasmuch as this is the only differencebetween the single strap embodiment and the V-strap embodiment, theapplication of the V-strap is not shown in full perspective as was thesingle strap embodiment in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 11, the V-strap isshown to consist of a top and bottom strap 28 and 30, respectively,which are secured in the middle by L-shaped hooks 27 and 36 to the topof the trunk lid 62 and to the bottom of the bumper 25. From the brackethooks 26 and 35 each strap extends outwardly in a V-shape to a centralstrap portion 33. One central strap wraps around the handle bar stem 73and the other around the bicycle seat post 74 to hold the bicycle inplace.

In order to make the V-straps 28 and 30 adjustable to fit various sizeof bicycles, the central portions of the straps and the quick releasebuttons consisting of a male part 31 and a female part 32, the male partof which 31 allows for strap adjustment. As with the fastening means ofthe single strap embodiment, the V-strap embodiment has one or more loopfastening means 34 formed by folding over two pieces of VELCRO-likematerial or snapping two overlapping pieces of material to each otherwith snaps. Alternately, the central portion 29 can loop through itselfto fasten around either the seat post 74 or the handle bar stem 73.

The third embodiment of this invention utilizes a slightly differentmeans of attaching or securing the bicycle body in place on a vehiclethan the first two embodiments. Rather than utilizing all straps as dothe other embodiments of the invention, this third embodiment uses acombination of a telescoping rod 37 and a strap 44 as the principalcomponent as shown in the partial side view of FIG. 12.

The telescoping rod 37 is secured at the top of the trunk 39 and extendsoutward to the bicycle crossbar 72 where it is secured in place by ring43. From the bicycle crossbar 72 to the bumper 25 runs a strap 44 whichis secured by a lip hook 47 to the bottom lip of the vehicle bumper 46.

FIGS. 15 and 16, show the trunk fastening means of the telescoping rod37 in detail. The fastening means consists of a bolt 52 which runsthrough a hole on top of the telescoping rod having a round bottom 61which may have tape over it or rubber coating to prevent scratching ofthe trunk lid 59, a hook 40 which is similar to those hooks used for cartop racks and other vehicles and an obtusely angled flat piece 63 ofmetal or plastic that fits in the slot 62 between the trunk lid 59 andcar body 60. A wing nut 41 is used to tighten the bolt 52 which alsosecures it in place as depicted in FIG. 15. The telescoping rod 37itself consists of an outer tube 55 and an inner tube 53 both of whichcontains holes 54 spaced in the same intervals throughout. Thistelescoping rod 37 is adjustable by sliding the inner tube 53 to desiredposition and then inserting a quick release pin 56 with the holes 54adjacent in both tubes. At the bicycle crossbar 72 and the telescopingrod 37 is a similar wing nut 41 and bolt 52 which holes in place anouter metal ring 57 with inner rubber ring 43 and in the center of which58 the bicycle crossbar 74 is secured. Upon tightening the lock wing 41the inner rubber ring 43 secures the crossbar 74 in place. It should benoted that the telescoping rod 37 may have various variations as shownin FIGS. 17, 18 and 19. For example, FIG. 17 shows the telescoping rodholding two bicycles having a second metal and rubber ring combination66 and 65 in front of and similar to the outer ring 57. FIG. 18 showsanother variation which utilizes, instead of a release pin 56, dualsized clamps 67 as the means of securing the outer rube 55 and the innerrube 53 together. These dual size clamps 67 contain at the small end alever 68 for tightening. An even further embodiment of the telescopingrod in FIG. 19 illustrates another means of securing the outer 55 andinner 53 rods together by use of narrow threaded collars 69 which aretwisted around threads at the ends of each larger outer tube 55 tosecure the telescoping rod 37 at the desired length.

Returning now to FIGS. 12 and 14, the other element of the telescopingrod embodiment, the strap 44, is discussed in detail. The strap 44, issecured to the bolt 52 of the telescoping rod 37 at the bicycle crossbar72 by said bolt 52 through the grommet 51 on the end of the strap 44. Abumper lip hook 47 is used to attach the strap 44 to the vehicle bumper46. This strap 44 can be adjusted to secure the bicycle tightly in placeby the adjusting buckle 50.

As mentioned earlier, the first type of bumper straps 5 discussedhereinabove cannot be used on vehicle bumpers which do not have a spacebetween the bumper and the body of the vehicle. Accordingly, the instantinvention provides another means of holding the bicycle wheel 48 inplace as is illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. 12 shows the holder 45on a bumper 46 having no space between said bumper 46 and car body 38.This holder 45 consists of a half curved tube, which can be made ofrubber or other pliable material that fits around the bottom of thebicycle wheel 48 between the bumper 46 and tire 48. This holder 45 maybe better secured if necessary on the bicycle wheel 48 by fasteners 49,made of VELCRO or other material, if necessary. Rather than a simpleholder 45 for vehicles having no space between body and bumper, a holderwhich could hold multiple bicycles may be designed consisting of a flatplate of metal or plastic with non-skid rubber cushion resting on thebumper and a cushioned front tip which could rest against the car body.

Thus, we have described in detail the instant bicycle carrier, which inits one or more embodiments, offers numerous advantages over priorbicycle carriers which have been patented or which are available in thecurrent market. Among these advantages are that this invention is lightweight and not cumbersome like prior metal frames because it consistsprimarily of straps. The invention is easily storable in that it doesnot take much space and even may be carried in a small sack by thebicyclist himself. A further advantage is that the instant inventioneliminates damage caused by rubbing or banging of the bicycle againstthe vehicle as is often the case with prior bicycle carriers. An evenfurther advantage is that the instant invention is very easily andquickly used and does not require tools such as wrenches and screwdrivers for assembly. And most of all, the instant invention whileoffering all the above advantages, is economical because it is made andconsists mostly of a series of straps and buckles as opposed to priorbicycle carriers which for the most part require several feet of metaltubing in their construction.

While several specific embodiments of the invention have been describedin detail above, it is to be understood that various modifications maybe made from the specific details described herein without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the claims.

I claim the following:
 1. A bicycle or lightweight motorcycle carrier for removable attachment to the rear of a vehicle comprising:an adjustable strap having fastening means at both ends to secure it to the trunk lid and bumper of a vehicle and also having fastening or holding means for securing said strap to a bicycle crossbar; and a short piece to rest on the vehicle bumper for use on vehicles having no space between the bumper and which fits around the bicycle wheel between the wheel and vehicle bumper having non-skid material on the bottom and ridges on top to hold the bicycle wheel.
 2. A bicycle or lightweight motorcycle carrier for removable attachment to the rear of a vehicle comprising:an adjustable strap having fastening means at both ends to secure it to the trunk lid and bumper of a vehicle and also having fastening or holding means for securing said strap to a bicycle crossbar; a short piece to rest on the vehicle bumper for use on vehicles having no space between the bumper and which fits around the bicycle wheel between the wheel and vehicle bumper having non-skid material on the bottom and ridges on the top to hold the bicycle wheel; a strap which wraps around both bicycle wheels or one bicycle wheel and a bicycle frame member in order to prevent rotation of the bicycle wheels while the bicycle is attached to the vehicle; and a strap which wraps around a bicycle brake lever and handle bar grips o brake calipers in order to prevent the rotation of the bicycle wheels while a bicycle is attached to the vehicle.
 3. A bicycle or lightweight motorcycle carrier for removable attachment to a vehicle, comprising:a pair of adjustable straps one attached to a vehicle trunk and the other to a vehicle bumper at the middle by fastening means both of which extend in an open V-shape the two legs of which connect in the middle, one leg of which secures to the handle bar stem area and the other leg secures the seat post area by fastening means; and a short piece to rest on the vehicle bumper for use on vehicles having no space between the bumper and which fits around the bicycle wheel between the wheel and vehicle bumper having non-skid material on the bottom and ridges on top to hold the bicycle wheel.
 4. A bicycle or lightweight motorcycle carrier for removable attachment to a vehicle, comprising:a pair of adjustable straps one attached to the vehicle trunk and the other to the vehicle bumper at the middle by fastening means both of which extend in an open V-shape, the two legs of which connect in the middle, one leg of which secures the handle bar stem area and the other leg secures the seat post area by fastening means; a short piece to rest on the vehicle bumper for use on vehicles having no space between the bumper and which fits around the bicycle wheel between the wheel and vehicle bumper having non-skid material on the bottom and ridges on top to hold the bicycle wheel; a strap which wraps around both bicycle wheels or one bicycle wheel and a bicycle frame member in order to prevent rotation of the bicycle wheels while the bicycle is attached to the vehicle; and a strap which wraps around the brake calipers in order to further prevent the rotation of the bicycle wheels while a bicycle is attached to the vehicle. 